This Could Revolutionize Internet Access

Worldwide communication has transformed the way people interact and companies do business. For regions in which internet accessibility is still limited, it is a priority for many to connect the rest of the populace. Because internet doesn’t necessarily equate to business growth, but potential for change in humanity, it is reasonable to assume that positive change can be implemented as more individuals tap into the world wide web.

Even in developed countries, internet may not always be reliable and basic access easily taken for granted in other areas can be denied. But what may soon change this dilemma is a device which was developed in Africa, called BRCK.

The little black box, which is seeking a boost in funding to speed development into a field-ready device, has potential to radically change the way that people off the grid and with poor access to internet connect to the web.

As the world evolves utilizing technology, many jobs will rely on easy, reliable connection to the internet. For the 4.5 billion people (65% of the world) just beginning to come online, simple connectivity is a critical in places with poor infrastructure and limited resources.

Erik Hersman, CEO of BRCK, summarized why the device is an essential invention which needs to be produced and made available, “While existing technologies work well in modern cities, the demands of emerging markets necessitates a rethinking of how technology is engineered, packaged, delivered, and supported.” Created in Africa by the group of engineers, developers, and technologists behind Ushahidi, BRCK was conceived in exactly this type of environment.

The transformative invention was developed by those behind Ushahidi, a non-profit company that built the Ushahidi Platform for crowdsourced information collection, visualization and interactive mapping. Credit can also be given the company for creating Crowdmap, the hosted version of Ushahidi, and SwiftRiver.

From cafe hoppers in San Francisco to struggling freelancers in Nairobi, the BRCK has potential to radically change the way the world communicates, and in effect, contribute to how the future is shaped.